Course overview

This is a fully comprehensive introduction to the skills, knowledge, understanding and expertise of management; and so in this context, the range of topics covered in this module is deliberately broad. The intention is to provide a substantial yet wide-ranging initial introduction to the overall field of management. That base then serves as a foundation upon which your studies in this area may be directed. This scope is approached via five overarching areas of study:

a full introduction to what management is and is not;

a broad coverage of the overall field of management knowledge, skills and expertise;

a substantial introduction to the crucial area of expertise of critical thinking, evaluation and analysis, leading to the formation of a sound judgmental faculty

a general familiarity and understanding of management priorities and issues, which should provide you with a foundation on which to base your future studies of more detailed areas of management

a specific understanding of the foundations of leadership and managerial professional practice, with particular reference to: the UCL Connected Curriculum; and the stated priority of the UCL School of Management: creating disruptive research and entrepreneurial leaders for the complex, interconnected world of the future.

Learning outcomes

Upon successful completion of the module a student will be able to:

Understand the nature of professionalism in management, and begin to apply a professional approach based on the existing range of knowledge and skills

deliver work to a professional standard and recognising the nature and structure of professional standards

discuss the problems and issues that surround management practice in organisations, using a critical perspective and informed approach

Assessment summary

Current students should refer to Moodle for specific details of the current year’s assessment.

Essential reading

Introduction to Management (4th edition) 2007, by Richard Pettinger

Maverick (1993, 2011) by Ricardo Semler

Note: other core and essential readings and materials are posted on the module moodle site. There are in particular key readings which must be read in advance of the classes for the week. Additionally, students must keep themselves abreast of developments in the business world via printed, published, visual and online media.